ECONOMY

USDA publishes FY2025 SNAP error-rate state rankings

PUBLISHED Jun 24, 2026, 5:23 PM ET

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Sources: 11

Left 9%

Center 73%

Right 18%

Sources: 11

United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released fiscal year 2025 SNAP payment error-rate data this week, showing a national error rate of 10.62% and wide variation among states; South Dakota registered 2.47% while Alaska recorded the highest rate of 23.15%, with Maryland at 13.08% and Illinois at 14.7%. The report, published June 24, 2026, carries fiscal consequences under the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill: states with error rates above 6% face matching penalties of 5%–15% beginning October 2027. State officials and federal spokespeople provided statements this week noting accuracy efforts, and multiple states cited administrative procedures to avoid penalties.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2022 — Maryland legislative audit identified tens of thousands of ineligible SNAP households.
Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025 — Fiscal Year 2025 period during which USDA measured payment errors.
2025 — One Big Beautiful Bill enacted, establishing state matching penalties for >6% error rates.
June 24, 2026 — USDA released FY2025 SNAP payment error-rate data reported by national and local outlets.
October 2027 — New federal matching penalties scheduled to take effect for states above threshold.

News Intelligence

Your tax dollars fund SNAP. High error rates mean wasted money. If your state's rate is above 6%, expect changes. Officials will work to lower errors and avoid penalties. Check your state's rate and watch for updates.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 11
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 1
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

States with low FY2025 SNAP error rates, such as South Dakota and Idaho, avoid fiscal penalties and potential state matching costs that will be imposed beginning October 2027 under the 2025 legislative changes.

Who Impacted

States with high FY2025 SNAP error rates, including Illinois and Maryland, face increased federal penalties and potential budgetary impacts that could reduce program resources or shift costs to state budgets beginning October 2027.

Media Bias